Aseptic connector

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a An aseptic connector comprising a first connection unit ( 102; 202; 302; 402; 502 ) provided with a first terminal end surface ( 104; 204; 304; 404; 504 ) and a second connection unit ( 106; 206; 306; 406; 506 ) provided with a second terminal end surface ( 108; 208; 308; 408; 508 ); said first and second terminal end surfaces are each provided with at least one first and second opening ( 110, 112; 210, 212; 310, 312; 410, 412; 510, 512 ), which openings are orientated to substantially coincide when said first and second connection units are connected to each other; said first and second openings are sealed by at least one film ( 114; 214; 314; 414; 514 ) arranged on said first and second connection units, so that the contact between the film and each connection unit is aseptic; said at least one film is adapted to be mated with a corresponding film on the other connection unit when said first and second connection units are connected to each other; and said mated films are adapted to be pulled out together two and two after mating such that corresponding first and second openings in said first and second terminal end surfaces are mated aseptically. At least two first ports ( 116; 216; 316; 416; 516 ) are arranged on the first connection unit, which first ports have fluid connection with the at least one first opening ( 110; 210; 310; 410; 510 ) in the first terminal end surface; and in that at least one second port ( 118; 218; 318; 418; 518 ) is arranged on the second connection unit, which the at least one second port has a fluid connection with the at least one second opening ( 112; 212; 312; 412; 512 ) in the second terminal end surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an aseptic connector according to thepreamble of claim 1 and a first connection unit for such an asepticconnector according to the preamble of claim 11.

Such an aseptic connector is arranged for creating aseptic and sterileconnections in sterile and in non-sterile environments.

BACKGROUND ART

The biotechnology industry uses different manufacturing systems forcreating aseptic and sterile connections between process containers andequipment, such as plastic bags and pumps. A known manufacturing systemuses controlled environments such as clean rooms or cabinets to ensureaseptic connections during manufacture. When necessary connections aremade in such a controlled environment that breaches sterile tubing andpiping, the environment does not contaminate the fluid flow passage.However, maintaining a clean room is time consuming, difficult andcostly to validate.

Another known manufacturing system uses disposable plastic bagsconnected to flexible thermoplastic tubes, which requires specialconnections to assure that the bags and tubes remain clean and sterile.A sterile tube welding machine can be used to weld the thermoplastictubing in a sterile manner without the need for a clean room, a laminarflow cabinet or similar environmental control device. After thethermoplastic tubes cool, a sterile weld is formed. A tube weldingmachine is however also usually limited in applicability to specifictube size and materials, such as thermoplastic. Furthermore, tubewelding machines are typically large, heavy, lack versatility, andexpensive.

Known are also pre-sterile bags and tube sets which can be supplied withthe appropriate disposable aseptic connection system fittings already inplace. These, connections are simple, repeatable and validatable.

Single use systems, also called disposable systems are more and moreused in the bioprocess industry. For example separation or reactionsystems such as chromatography systems, filter systems or bioreactorsystems have today at least partly been provided as disposable systems.This eliminates the need for cleaning and cleaning validation beforeprocessing, in between processes and cycles or after processing beforere-use as required for conventional re-usable equipment. With disposablesystems cross-contamination is avoided.

Bioburden control of single-use equipment during manufacturing of theequipment itself is required to eliminate cleaning needs before bringingsingle-use equipment into product contact. This is usually achieved bymanufacturing of single-use equipment in controlled environment (cleanroom), often followed by sterilisation processes (gamma irradiation).The demands of the level of bioburden control can differ for differentapplications. However, bioburden control to a certain degree of theequipment is not only required for some applications, but alsoconsidered as the preferable for most of the applications usingdisposable equipment. The production of this equipment in controlledenvironments is required to guarantee a low initial level ofcontaminants prior to the bioburden control procedure. Sterility andasepsis are terms used to define the state of a system, a piece ofequipment or a fluid conduit as being in control of bioburden levels todifferent degrees.

Prior art describes varying apparatus for accomplishing sterileconnections using a disposable aseptic connection system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,529 discloses an apparatus for establishing anaseptic and sterile connection comprising a sterile barrier enclosing aterminal end of a conduit, a resilient, deformable support card fixed tothe sterile barrier having an outer face disposed about the terminal endof the conduit having an adhesive perimeter covered by a release paper,and a rolling membrane comprising a continuous, removable, yieldable,flexible strip material, a portion of which is removably adhered to thesupport card and overlies the end of the conduit, the rolling membranehaving a free end whereby a force applied to the free end thereofwithdraws the entire rolling membrane to expose the end of the conduitwhereby an aseptic/sterile connection is achieved by adhering opposingsupport cards together, removing the rolling membrane thereby creating asterile corridor between a first sterile barrier and a second sterilebarrier, and mating the terminal end of a first conduit and a secondconduit together.

WO2011/084101 A1 discloses stackable separation elements with foldedfilms for establishing sterile connection between the elements. Theseelements are however not suitable for connecting complex systems ofapparatuses and tubing. They are further not suitable for establishingseparate connections for a plurality of fluids.

Notwithstanding the existence of such prior art apparatus forestablishing an aseptic and sterile connection, there is a need for animproved and more efficient apparatus that can be used as either atemporary or permanent connection.

When a large number of equipment is connected to a process container itrequires a large number of such prior art apparatuses for establishingan aseptic and sterile connection for each tubing to be connectedindividually. The physical size increases and ease of use reduces. Thenumber of apparatuses and tubing are often perceived as a hazzle whichwill be complicated to handle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective problem to be solved by the present invention is to reducethe number of such prior art apparatuses when a large number ofequipment has to be connected to a process container.

Another objective problem to be solved by the present invention is toprovide a connection that is reliable and repeatable.

A further objective problem to be solved by the invention is to providemultiple aseptic connections for a plurality of different fluids in oneconnector.

A further objective problem to be solved by the invention is to providean aseptically connectable manifold for distributing or collecting afluid to/from a plurality of containers.

A further objective problem to be solved by the present invention is toprovide an aseptic connector which is applicable to a wide array oftubing sizes.

A further objective problem to be solved by the present invention is toprovide an aseptic connector that is inexpensive to assemble andmaintain and requires no complicated equipment to assemble.

A further objective problem to be solved by the present invention is toprovide an aseptic connector that is compatible with the standardsanitary fittings common to the biotechnology industry.

These objects above are achieved by an aseptic connector according toclaim 1 and a first connection unit for such an aseptic connectoraccording to claim 11.

Since at least two first ports are arranged on the first connection unitat least two equipments can be connected to for example a processcontainer using only one aseptic connector.

When a large number of equipment is connected to a process container areduced number of aseptic connectors for establishing the aseptic andsterile connection for each pipe or tube can be achieved. The physicalsize decreases and ease of use increases. The number of apparatuses andtubing will be less complicated to handle.

With this invention any desired number of containers, bags, pumps andother equipment can be connected to each other in a system in an asepticway which reduces the number of aseptic connectors. Furthermore, thesesystems can be built in an environment that is not bioburden controlledand the system with all its connections will still be aseptic on processside.

Since at least one second port is arranged on the second connection unitan aseptic connector arranged as manifold may be achieved.

According to an aspect of the invention the number of openings in theterminal end surface corresponds to the number of ports arranged on theconnection unit. This configuration facilitates the connection ofcontainers, bags, pumps and other equipment that can be connected toeach other and also reduces the number of aseptic connectors.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide a sterile circuit,comprising a first connection unit, fluidically connected with at leasttwo lengths of tubing. This is achieved with a sterile cirquit accordingto the claims. An advantage of this is that the setup of complex sterilesystems is facilitated. A further advantage is fluid supply and removalsystems for e.g. screening systems with a plurality of bioreactors canbe made compact and easily handled.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will beexemplified in the description set forth hereinafter and the scope ofthe invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects, advantages and features of the invention can be derivedfrom the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention, with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of an aseptic connectoraccording to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the asepticconnector in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows a first connection unit according to the first embodimentin perspective,

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a second embodiment of an aseptic connectoraccording to the invention,

FIG. 5 shows a view in perspective of a third embodiment of an asepticconnector according to the invention,

FIG. 6 shows a view in perspective of a fourth embodiment of an asepticconnector according to the invention,

FIG. 7 shows a view in perspective of the first embodiment of theaseptic connector according to the invention provided with a clampmeans, and

FIG. 8 shows a view in perspective of a fifth embodiment of an asepticconnector according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an aseptic connector 100 comprising afirst connection unit 102 provided with a first terminal end surface 104and a second connection unit 106 provided with a second terminal endsurface 108. Said first and second terminal end surfaces 104, 108 areeach provided with at least one first and second opening 110, 112. Inthe first embodiment two first openings 110 are arranged in the firstterminal end surface 104 and two second openings 112 are arranged in thesecond terminal end surface 108.

The first and second openings 110, 112 are sealed by at least one film114 arranged on said first and second connection units 102, 106. Thecontact surfaces between the film 114 and each connection unit 102, 104are aseptic. The film 114 is adapted to be mated with a correspondingfilm 114 on the other connection unit when said first and secondconnection units 102, 104 are connected to each other. Thereafter, themated films 114 are adapted to be pulled out together two and two aftermating such that corresponding first and second openings 110, 112 insaid first and second terminal end surfaces 104, 108 are matedaseptically. The films 114 can e.g. be folded over and be connected to,or form, tabs protruding outside the connection units, which makes thetabs suitable for pulling.

In the first embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1, two first ports 116 arearranged on the first connection unit 102, which first ports 116 havefluid connection with respective first opening 110 in the first terminalend surface 104. The fluid connection between the first ports 116 andthe first openings 110 forms a respective first passage 117 for fluids.On the second connection unit 106 two second ports 118 are arranged,which second ports 118 have a fluid connection with respective secondopening 112 in the second terminal end surface 108. The fluid connectionbetween the second ports 118 and the second openings 112 forms arespective second passage 119 for fluids. Therefore, according to thefirst embodiment the number of openings 110, 112 in the respectiveterminal end surface 104, 108 corresponds to the number of ports 118,116 arranged on the connection unit 102, 106.

Pipes or tubes 120, such as flexible thermoplastic tubes are intended tobe connected to the ports 116, 118 by pushing them over the projectingports 116, 118, so that a mechanical retention of the pipes or tubes 120is achieved in order to form a leak-tight seal. The pipes or tubes 120may also be connected to process containers and equipment, such asplastic bags and pumps (not disclosed). The ports 116, 118 may haveequal or different diameters, so that the aseptic connector 100 isapplicable to a wide array of pipe and tube 120 sizes. In the embodimentdisclosed the ports 116, 118 projects out of the connection units 102,106. However, it is also possible to arrange the ports 116, 118 asapertures (not disclosed) in the connection unit 102, 106, so that thepipes or tubes 120 are pushed into and installed in the aperture.

A gasket 122 is arranged around each opening 110, 112. Said gasket 122being adapted to mate with a corresponding gasket 122 or terminal endsurface 104, 108 on the other connection unit 102, 106 which theconnection unit 102, 106 possibly should be connected with when thefilms 114 have been released from the connection units 102, 106. Thegasket 122 can possibly also be arranged around a suitable number ofopenings 110, 112. Also, a foam layer 124, such as a compressible foamlayer, is arranged around each gasket 122, which foam layer 124 isadapted to be compressed around each gasket 122 when two connectionunits 102, 106 are mated. The foam layer 124 provided around the gaskets122 leads to that the units can be pressed together to a first asepticconnection position where the protective films 114 can be removedwithout exposing the aseptic process side to the environment, which maybe non-sterile. The purpose of the compressible foam layers 124 is toprovide the required degree of volumetric variability to allow for anexpansion of the two opposite foam layers 124 against each other toremain asepsis when removing the adjacent folded films 114 by pulling.

In FIG. 1 the films 114 are double folded over said openings 110, 112and a single sheet of the uppermost layer of the film 114 is reachingoutside the terminal end surfaces 104, 108 and adapted to be pulledtogether with another single sheet of another film 114 when the films114 are released from the connection units 102, 106. The film 114 issuitably provided to the units 102, 106 before the units are subjectedto sterilisation. This means that the connection unit 102, 106 with theattached film 114 can be treated in a non sterile environment while thecontents of the connection unit 102, 106 confined by its openings andports including the openings and ports still are kept sterile oraseptic. In FIG. 1 only one film 114 is arranged in each terminal endsurface 104, 108. It is however possible to arrange films 114 for eachopening in the terminal end surface 104, 108. The connection units 102,106 are provided with orientation specific locking means 126 arranged tomechanically lock the connection units 102, 106 to each other.

FIG. 2 shows the first embodiment of the aseptic connector 100 when thefirst and second connection units 102, 106 are connected. In thisposition the locking means 126 mechanically locks the connection units102, 106 to each other. The openings are orientated to substantiallycoincide when said first and second connection units 102, 106 areconnected to each other, which is disclosed in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows a first connection unit 102 according to the firstembodiment in perspective. In the first terminal end surface 104, twofirst openings 110 are provided. The first openings 110 are arranged tobe sealed by the film 114 arranged on the first connection unit 102, sothat the contact between the film 114 and the first connection unit 102is aseptic. Two first ports 116 are arranged on the first connectionunit 102, which first ports 116 have fluid connection with therespective first opening 110 in the first terminal end surface 104. Agasket 122 is arranged around each first opening 110 and a foam layer124 is arranged around each gasket 122, which foam layer 124 is adaptedto be compressed around each gasket 122 when two connection units aremated.

FIG. 4 shows an aseptic connector 200 according to a second embodimentof the present invention. In this second embodiment two first ports 216are arranged on the first connection unit 202, which first ports 216have fluid connection with two first openings 210 in the first terminalend surface 204. On the second connection unit 206 only one second port218 is arranged, which has a fluid connection with two second openings212 in the second terminal end surface 208. The first and secondopenings 210, 212 are orientated to substantially coincide when saidfirst and second connection units 202, 206 are connected to each other.In FIG. 4 the films 214 are removed, so that the gaskets 222 arrangedaround each opening 210, 212 mates with a corresponding gasket 222 onthe other connection unit which the connection unit possibly should beconnected with when the films 214 have been released from the connectionunits 202, 206. Also, the foam layers 224 arranged around each gasket222 are compressed when the two connection units 202, 206 are mated. Theaseptic connector 200 according to this second embodiment is arranged asa manifold.

FIG. 5 shows an aseptic connector 300 according to a third embodiment ofthe present invention in perspective. In this third embodiment two firstports 316 are arranged on the first connection unit 302, which firstports 316 have fluid connection with only one first opening 310 in thefirst terminal end surface 304. On the second connection unit 306 onlyone second port 318 is arranged, which has a fluid connection with onlyone second opening 312 in the second terminal end surface 308. The firstand second openings 310, 312 are orientated to substantially coincidewhen said first and second connection units 302, 306 are connected toeach other.

FIG. 6 shows an aseptic connector 400 according to a fourth embodimentof the present invention in perspective. In this fourth embodiment threefirst ports 416 are arranged on the first connection unit 402, whichfirst ports 416 have fluid connection with three first openings 410 inthe first terminal end surface 404. On the second connection unit 406only one second port 418 is arranged, which has a fluid connection withthree second openings 412 in the second terminal end surface 408. Thefirst and second openings 410, 412 are orientated to substantiallycoincide when said first and second connection units 402, 406 areconnected to each other. In this embodiment also at least one of thefirst ports 416 is provided with a valve 428, which is arranged tocontrol fluid flow through the first connection unit 402 and the asepticconnector 400. The valve 428 can be of the type which opens and closesthe port 416. However, it is also possible to arrange the valve as athree-way valve (not disclosed).

In FIG. 6 the aseptic connector 400 may be provided with measuring means436 comprising sensors for measuring and monitoring for examplepressure, velocity in flow, temperature and conductivity. Also, radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags may be used in combination with thesensors in the measuring means 436. The measuring means 436 may belocated within the connector 400 and in contact with the fluid in theconnector 400, or located on a location outside the connector 400. TheRFID tags may communicate with a computer (not disclosed) for collectinginformation about the measured values. Preferred geometries of themeasurement means 436 are round or circular, but other geometries can beused for similar purposes.

In FIG. 7 the aseptic connector 100 according to the first embodiment isprovided with a clamp 130, which at least partially encloses theconnector 100. The clamp 130 comprises two shells 132 which are arrangedat the periphery of first and second connection units 102, 106 andlocked with a strap 134. The clamp 130 urges the first and secondconnection units 102, 106 in a direction to each other and prevents anyleakage of fluid from the aseptic connector 100. The clamp 130 alsoprevents the first and second connection units 102, 106 to beunintentional disconnected.

FIG. 8 shows an aseptic connector 500 according a fifth embodiment. Inaddition to the first embodiment above the aseptic connector 500according the fifth embodiment has four first ports 516 arranged on thefirst connection unit 502, which first ports 516 have fluid connectionwith four first openings 510 in the first terminal end surface 504. Onthe second connection unit 506 also four second ports 518 are arranged,which have a fluid connection with four second openings 512 in thesecond terminal end surface 508. The first and second openings 510, 512are orientated to substantially coincide when said first and secondconnection units 502, 506 are connected to each other. The first andsecond openings 510, 512 are sealed by films 514 arranged on said firstand second connection units 502, 506. A gasket 522 is arranged aroundeach first opening and a foam layer 524 is arranged around each gasket522. In the fifth embodiment the films 514, gaskets 522 and foam layer524 are disclosed when arranged at the second connection unit 506.However, films 514, gaskets 522 and foam layer 524 are also arranged atthe first connection unit 502, but not disclosed in FIG. 8. The firstand second connection units 502, 506 according to the fifth embodimenthave a substantial rectangular configuration in comparison to thesubstantial circular configuration of the connection units in theembodiments above.

Preferably, the aseptic connector 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 according tothe invention is a disposable unit, i.e. adapted to be used only once.One advantage with disposable systems is that there is no need forcleaning and bioburden control before using the systems becausedisposable systems are already aseptic in some degree and they shouldnot be used again and need therefore not be cleaned between uses.Therefore the aseptic connector 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 according tothis invention is particularly interesting in disposable systems.

In a further aspect of the invention, a sterile circuit is disclosed,which comprises at least one first connector unit 102; 202; 302; 402;502 as discussed above and at least two lengths of tubing 120; 220fluidically connected to the unit, preferably to the ports 116; 118;216; 316; 416; 516; 518. The sterile circuit may be presterilized, e.g.by irradiation or autoclaving and it may be packaged in a sterilecontainer, such as e.g. a sterile pouch or bag. The sterile circuit mayfurther comprise at least one container, such as a storage bag or abioreactor bag, which is fluidically connected to at least one of thetubing lengths 120; 220. The first connector unit of the sterile circuitmay be aseptically connected to a second connector unit, which may, ormay not, form a part of a second sterile circuit with at least onelength of tubing fluidically connected to the second connector unit.

The provision of sterile circuits greatly facilitates the setup ofcomplex sterile systems, such as bioreactors with multiple lines forfeeding nutrients, gases etc and for removal of culture fluid and/ormetabolites etc. One sterile circuit may be attached to one bioreactorvia one or more lengths of tubing or it may be attached to a pluralityof bioreactors. The latter is particularly suitable for screeningexperiments such as high throughput screening experiments where a largenumber of small bioreactors are used and it is of imperative need tohave a compact system for supply and removal of fluids.

The word aseptic used in this description and in the claims shall have abroad definition, i.e. include any level of bioburden control. Thebioburden control or asepsis can be measured as organisms/ml or CFU(colony forming units). In one embodiment of the invention the level ofasepsis should be below 100 CFU/ml. The latter corresponds to bioburdencontrol levels required for food grade products. Low levels of bioburdencan be achieved by sterilisation processes. For example the asepticconnector 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 of the invention can be subjected togamma sterilization. Other possible methods are autoclaving or bioburdencontrol by ethylene dioxide.

In all embodiments described above parts and surfaces being in contactwith a process fluid are suitably selected from materials that are inaccordance with typical material requirements in (bio-)pharmaceuticalmanufacturing or food grade quality. For example, materials are suitablyin compliance with USP Class VI and 21 CFR 177. Furthermore they aresuitably of animal-free origin and compliance to EMEA/41O/01.

Features and components of the different embodiments above may becombined within the scope of the invention.

1. An aseptic connector comprising a first connection unit (102; 202;302; 402; 502) provided with a first terminal end surface (104; 204;304; 404; 504) and a second connection unit (106; 206; 306; 406; 506)provided with a second terminal end surface (108; 208; 308; 408; 508);said first and second terminal end surfaces are each provided with atleast one first and second opening (110, 112; 210, 212; 310, 312; 410,412; 510, 512), which openings are orientated to substantially coincidewhen said first and second connection units are connected to each other;said first and second openings are sealed by at least one film (114;214; 314; 414; 514) arranged on said first and second connection units,so that the contact between the film and each connection unit isaseptic; said at least one film is adapted to be mated with acorresponding film on the other connection unit when said first andsecond connection units are connected to each other; and said matedfilms are adapted to be pulled out together two and two after matingsuch that corresponding first and second openings in said first andsecond terminal end surfaces are mated aseptically, wherein at least twofirst ports (116; 216; 316; 416; 516) are arranged on the firstconnection unit, which first ports have fluid connection with the atleast one first opening (110; 210; 310; 410; 510) in the first terminalend surface; and in that at least one second port (118; 218; 318; 418;518) is arranged on the second connection unit, which the at least onesecond port has a fluid connection with the at least one second opening(112; 212; 312; 412; 512) in the second terminal end surface.
 2. Theaseptic connector of claim 1, wherein the aseptic connector (100; 200;300; 400; 500) is a disposable unit.
 3. The aseptic connector of claim1, wherein at least two second ports (118; 218; 318; 418; 518) arearranged on the second connection unit, which the at least two secondports have fluid connection with the at least one second opening in thesecond terminal end surface.
 4. The aseptic connector of claim 1,wherein a gasket (122; 222; 322; 422; 522) is arranged around eachopening or possibly a gasket is arranged around a suitable number ofopenings, said gasket being adapted to mate with a corresponding gasketor terminal end surface on another connection unit which the connectionunit possibly should be connected with when the films have been releasedfrom the connection units.
 5. The aseptic connector of claim 4, whereina foam layer (124; 224; 324; 424; 524) is arranged around each gasket,which foam layer is adapted to be compressed around each gasket when twoconnection units are mated.
 6. The aseptic connector of claim 1, whereinsaid films are double folded over said openings and a single sheet ofthe uppermost layer of the film is reaching outside the terminal endsurfaces and adapted to be pulled together with another single sheet ofthe film when the films are released from the connection units.
 7. Theaseptic connector of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first andsecond ports is provided with a valve (428), which is arranged tocontrol fluid flow through the aseptic connector (400).
 8. The asepticconnector of claim 1, wherein measuring means (436) comprising a sensorand a RFID tag is arranged at the aseptic connector.
 9. The asepticconnector of claim 1, wherein the number of openings in the terminal endsurface correspond to the number of ports arranged on the connectionunit.
 10. The aseptic connector of claim 1, wherein the connection units(102; 106) are provided with orientation specific locking means (126)arranged to mechanically lock the connection units (102; 106) to eachother.
 11. A first connection unit for the aseptic connector of claim 1,comprising a first terminal end surface (102; 202; 302; 402; 502), whichis provided with at least one first opening (110; 210; 310; 410; 510),said first opening is sealed by at least one film (114; 214; 314; 414;514) arranged on said first connection unit, so that the contact betweenthe film and the first connection unit is aseptic; wherein at least twofirst ports (116; 216; 316; 416; 516) are arranged on the firstconnection unit, which first ports have fluid connection with the atleast one first opening in the first terminal end surface.
 12. The firstconnection unit of claim 11, wherein the first connection unit is adisposable unit.
 13. The first connection unit of claim 11, wherein agasket (122; 222; 322; 422; 522) is arranged around each opening orpossibly a gasket is arranged around a suitable number of openings, saidgasket being adapted to mate with a corresponding gasket or end surfaceon another connection unit which the first connection unit possiblyshould be connected with when the film has been released from the firstconnection unit.
 14. The first connection unit of claim 13, wherein afoam layer (124; 224; 324; 424; 524) is arranged around each gasket,which foam layer is adapted to be compressed around each gasket when twoconnection units are mated.
 15. The first connection unit of claim 11,wherein at least one of the first ports is provided with a valve (420),which is arranged to control fluid flow through the first connectionunit.
 16. The aseptic connector of claim 1, wherein measuring means(436) comprising a sensor and a RFID tag is arranged at the firstconnection unit.
 17. The first connection unit of claim 11, wherein thenumber of openings in the first terminal end surface correspond to thenumber of ports arranged on the first connection unit.
 18. A sterilecircuit comprising at least one first connection unit (102; 202; 302;402; 502) of claim 11, and at least two lengths of tubing (120; 220)fluidically connected to said first connection unit.
 19. The sterilecircuit of claim 18, further comprising at least one container, such asa storage bag or a bioreactor bag, which is fluidically connected to atleast one of the tubing lengths (120; 220).